Four trucks carrying goods were turned back from Benapole Port on Wednesday evening after India revoked a 2020 transshipment agreement that allowed Bangladesh to export goods to third countries through Indian ports.

Vice President of the Benapole Import-Export Association, Uzzal Biswas, criticised the decision, warning that restricting Bangladesh’s exports to countries like Nepal and Bhutan could damage bilateral trade and strain relations between Dhaka and Delhi. 

He expressed hope that India's Hindu nationalist government would reverse what he described as a “vindictive move” to preserve friendly ties.

Benapole Port Deputy Director Rashedul Sajib Nazir confirmed that the suspension of the transshipment facility led Indian customs at Petrapole to deny entry for goods bound for third countries.

“The trucks with those consignments were denied access to Indian territory,” he said. However, he clarified that exports destined directly for the Indian market remain unaffected.

Kartik Chakraborty, general secretary of the Petrapole Clearing and Forwarding Agents' Staff Welfare Association, stated that the Indian Ministry of Finance had issued an official letter notifying the cancellation of the transshipment facility.

Following that directive, Petrapole authorities halted entry of cargo bound for third-country destinations via Bangladesh.

Earlier, India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed the suspension. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said during a press briefing in New Delhi that the facility had been causing heavy congestion at Indian ports and airports.

BDST: 1425 HRS, APR 10, 2025
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